Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

senior man holding up his medicare card stock photo

By Tej Seelamsetty

May 12, 2022

We Discuss Different Medicare Cards, the Medicare Number, and How to Use Them.

Are you almost 65? Are you set up for Medicare?

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

If not, it might be time to enroll. You'll get your Medicare card once you sign up. You can then use it to access your Medicare coverage.

Once you register with Medicare, you should receive your card in the mail within three weeks.

If you are collecting social security or

disability benefits

, your Medicare card should arrive automatically three months before your 65th birthday or after you've received disability benefits for two years.

If you haven't yet enrolled in Medicare, you can

during the initial enrollment period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and extends until three months after your birthday.

You'll need to provide your Medicare card to your doctor or pharmacy to get coverage for your services.

Let's have a look at the different Medicare cards and how you will use them.

What Are the Different Medicare Cards?

You’ll get your Medicare card (red, white, and blue) when you sign up for Medicare. This is your Original Medicare card, and it represents Part A and Part B of your health insurance.

Medicare Card | Medicare.gov

‎If you’ve also enrolled in coverage for prescription drugs, you'll receive another card: your Prescription Drug card. You'll use this one at the pharmacy.

Prescription Drug Card Example | Cigna

Medicare Supplements may cover most of your out-of-pocket expenses for doctors and hospitals on Medicare-approved services. If you've opted into this plan, you’ll need to show your Medicare Supplement card to cover your deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

Medicare Supplement Card Example | Center for Health Care Rights

‎However, if you’ve enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you won't use your original Medicare card. Instead, you will use your Medicare Advantage card.

Medicare Advantage Card Example | Cigna

Your Medicare Advantage card is a single card that you’ll use for your doctor and hospital services. It represents your Part A hospital services, Part B medical services, Part C additional coverage, and Part D prescription drugs (for plans that include prescription drug coverage).

‎

What's on My Original Medicare Card?

Your Original Medicare card has your name and your Medicare card number. Your Medicare card number is a unique identifier that gives you access to Medicare benefits.

Your card also shows whether you have Medicare Part A or both Part A and Part B, along with the date your Medicare insurance coverage begins.

What if I Lose My Card?

If you lose your card, or it gets damaged or stolen, don't worry.

You can either log in to your Medicare account and print an official copy of your card or get a replacement card.

If you want a replacement card, you can log in to your

social security account

, select the “Replacement Documents” tab, and click on the “Mail my replacement Medicare card” option.

You can also get a replacement card by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). Your replacement card should reach you within 30 days.

Before you request a replacement card, make sure you update your current address in your Social Security account to prevent delays.

How Do I Find My Medicare Number?

Your Medicare number is printed on your Medicare card. This is a unique number and isn’t the same as your social security number. However, it is a personally identifiable piece of information, and you should protect it with the same level of care as you do your SSN.

You can also get your Medicare card number from your

Medicare account online

. Simply log in to your Medicare account.

Your Medicare number will be helpful in case you don't have your Medicare card with you. Your doctor can use your Medicare number to check for coverage of your healthcare services.

How Do I Change the Information on My Card?

If you’ve moved to a new place or legally changed your name, you need to update this information with Medicare.

Log in to your Social Security Account and update your information. This is especially important when you’re applying for a replacement Medicare card.

The Medicare card is your proof of identity, so keep it secure and show it to your provider whenever you wish to use its benefits.

If you still have questions, you can speak with one of our licensed agents by calling 1-888-376-2028.

We can help you

navigate the complexities of the Medicare system, help find the right plan for you, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you're getting the coverage you deserve.

We know Medicare can be complicated. Our mission is to assist folks like you get personalized Medicare coverage that works.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

•

Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

We Discuss Different Medicare Cards, the Medicare Number, and How to Use Them.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What Are the Different Medicare Cards?

Medicare Card | Medicare.gov

Prescription Drug Card Example | Cigna

Medicare Supplement Card Example | Center for Health Care Rights

Medicare Advantage Card Example | Cigna

What's on My Original Medicare Card?

What if I Lose My Card?

How Do I Find My Medicare Number?

How Do I Change the Information on My Card?

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans